Research carried out by motoring services specialist, easytrip, Ireland’s only electronic parking and tolling tag provider, has revealed that one in 10 motorists don’t have breakdown cover for their vehicle – which potentially equates to 203,826* vehicles on Irish roads. Respondents to the easytrip survey were also asked if they had experienced a breakdown incident in the last 12 months of which 35% said they did. The following breakdown incidents were revealed as the top five:
1. Flat / damaged tyres (44%)
2. Battery failure (25%)
3. Mechanical problem (12%)
4. Keys lost or locked in vehicle (7%)
5. Electrical fault (6%)
With winter time officially started on October 29th, respondents were also asked what they least liked about driving during the winter months. The easytrip research highlighted the top three most stressful winter driving conditions for motorists as:
1. Driving on icy roads (57%)
2. Poor visibility of cyclists on the road (43%)
3. Glare from other driver’s headlights (41%)
Colin Delaney, CEO of easytrip Ireland, said: “It’s alarming to see that one in 10 drivers claim to have no breakdown cover. To reduce the risk of a breakdown incident we would advise motorist to check their vehicle regularly, in particular their tyres for any defects. Remember that the darker and colder weather can make driving more stressful so be prepared, drive slowly, and be ready to adapt to the wide range of driving conditions that the winter months can bring.”
Easytrip offers breakdown recovery assistance from €3.99 per month. The service provides assistance on all major breakdown scenarios nationwide including: battery charge; punctures; refuelling; wheel change and much more. For more information visit www.easytrip.ie or call 1890 67 67 68.
